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Professional flight-training simulators range from roughly $50,000 for some entry-level training devices to $5 million–$15 million for customized full-flight simulators. Those figures describe different device classes and configurations, not interchangeable products or guaranteed installed project totals. For an accurate budget, identify the aircraft, qualification sought, features, and what the vendor’s quote includes.
Professional flight simulator prices by device class
Published manufacturer examples provide a useful starting point, but they are not a like-for-like market survey. Frasca’s figures were published in 2021; Redbird’s listed prices were retrieved on October 4, 2026. Treat them as indicative product or starting prices rather than current, installed bids.
| Device type | Published price example | What the figure covers |
|---|---|---|
| Redbird SD AATD | $49,900 starting price | Redbird lists the SD as an FAA-approved AATD. It is an enclosed, non-motion device. Listed configurations include the $49,900 base SD, $59,900 SD/cl with control-loading yoke, and $85,900 SD-E with an EASA FNPT II qualification kit. Redbird prices retrieved October 4, 2026; shipping, installation, and training excluded. Redbird product listings |
| Frasca RTD | $50,000 starting price; $120,000 or more with options | Frasca’s 2021 example starts with one aircraft model, a steam-gauge cockpit, and a single-channel visual system. Multiple aircraft models, G1000 NXi avionics, and additional visual channels can increase the price. Frasca pricing explanation |
| Fixed-wing piston-aircraft FTD | Around $200,000 starting price | Frasca’s indicative 2021 starting price for its fixed-wing piston FTDs. Frasca pricing explanation |
| Fixed-wing turboprop or jet FTD | Around $700,000 starting price | Frasca’s indicative 2021 starting price; aircraft and configuration affect the quote. Frasca pricing explanation |
| Helicopter FTD | Around $350,000 to $4 million | Frasca’s 2021 range, varying with aircraft complexity and features; its upper example concerns complex turbine aircraft and advanced mission scenarios. Frasca pricing explanation |
| Customized Level B–D FFS | Typically $5 million–$15 million | Frasca’s 2021 range for customized Full Flight Simulators. Its described features include six-axis motion, control loading, advanced visuals, instructor stations, exact cockpit replicas, and aircraft data packages. Frasca pricing explanation |
Why these categories are not interchangeable
AATD, RTD, FTD, and FFS describe different device classes and purposes. A lower-priced AATD or configurable RTD is not simply a cheaper version of an airline full-flight simulator, and a desktop or gaming setup is not automatically an approved professional training device. Compare devices against the training tasks and qualification your organization actually needs, not just the generic label “simulator.”
Entry-level and configurable devices
The Redbird SD illustrates the entry-level professional range: its listed base price is $49,900, with higher-priced configurations for control loading or an EASA qualification kit. Frasca’s RTD example begins at $50,000 but can reach $120,000 or more when configured with additional aircraft, avionics, or visual channels. These are distinct products and published prices, not a direct comparison of identical specifications.
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Aircraft-specific FTDs
Frasca’s published fixed-wing starting points rise from around $200,000 for piston aircraft to around $700,000 for turboprops or jets. Helicopter FTDs span a much wider indicative range, from around $350,000 to $4 million, reflecting differences in aircraft complexity and features.
Full-flight simulators
At $5 million–$15 million in Frasca’s 2021 description, a customized Level B–D FFS is a major procurement rather than a simple equipment purchase. Motion, cockpit replication, control loading, visuals, instructor systems, and aircraft data all contribute to scope and cost.
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What drives the quote
Frasca identifies aircraft type, qualification level, device features, customization, OEM aircraft parts and avionics, and aircraft design or manufacturer data packages as cost factors. Redbird’s SD configurations show how options and qualification can change even a lower-range device’s listed price. Frasca also says FFS approval involves initial approval and recurring quarterly tests.
Ask each supplier to itemize the same requirements so that competing proposals can be compared on scope rather than headline price:
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- Aircraft represented and cockpit configuration.
- Requested qualification or approval, and the regulator or authority involved.
- Motion system and control loading.
- Visual system and number of channels.
- Avionics and aircraft data package or licensing.
- Instructor station, monitoring, and debriefing features.
- Shipping, installation, site preparation, and buyer training.
- Warranty, software or database updates, and ongoing service or support.
- Approval work, renewal or recurring testing, and the buyer’s responsibilities.
This checklist reflects factors identified by the manufacturers; suppliers do not necessarily bundle these items in the same way.
Budget beyond the equipment price
A list price may leave substantial project costs outside the figure. Redbird explicitly excludes shipping, installation, and training from its SD prices. Its product page states that the SD includes a one-year warranty and support; service agreements are available for an additional charge after the initial warranty. Frasca also identifies installation, training, customer service, and warranty as considerations when comparing simulator prices.
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Regulatory fees can be separate from the equipment purchase. EASA’s 2025 fee schedule lists €13,590 for FTD qualification approval and €32,110 for FFS in its single-engine/configuration example. These are EASA regulator fees for the stated example, not simulator purchase prices or universal totals; the schedule varies by device configuration and does not apply to FAA approval or other jurisdictions. EASA fees and charges
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to establish a realistic budget
- Define the training requirement. Specify the aircraft and training tasks, then identify the device class and qualification required by the relevant authority.
- Write a configuration brief. List cockpit and avionics, motion and control loading, visuals, instructor and debriefing tools, and any aircraft data or OEM components needed.
- Request itemized vendor proposals. Have each vendor separate the device price from options, shipping, site work, installation, training, approval support, warranty, and continuing service.
- Check the authority’s fees and responsibilities. Confirm applicable approval and recurring-test requirements for your jurisdiction and configuration; do not treat an example fee as a universal charge.
- Compare equivalent scopes. Resolve differences in qualification, features, and included services before comparing totals. A low headline price may cover a narrower device or exclude costs included in another proposal.
Frasca’s 2021 article summarizes the pricing logic this way: “The quick answer is that price depends on several factors; training needs, the aircraft type, the level of the device qualification (FAA, JAA or equivalent), device features and more.” The exact cost for a particular aircraft, qualification, configuration, location, and installation scope is not established by published starting prices; it requires a current, scope-specific vendor quote.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
